Overview
This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to download large amounts of data from SharePoint using three different methods: OneDrive for Business, re-uploading as a .zip file, and accessing files directly on SharePoint. Directly downloading large files from SharePoint can lead to throttling, tenant blocking, download failures, and performance issues. These methods help avoid these problems and ensure efficient data transfer.
Target Audience
Everyone
Instructions
Method 1: Using OneDrive for Business
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Sync SharePoint Folder with OneDrive
- Open your SharePoint site and navigate to the folder you want to download.
- Click on the "Sync" button. This will prompt you to open OneDrive if it's not already running.
- Follow the prompts to sync the folder with your OneDrive for Business.
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Ensure Files are Available Offline (Optional)
- Open the OneDrive folder on your computer.
- Navigate to the synced SharePoint folder.
- Right-click on the folder or files you need and select "Always keep on this device." This will download the files to your local device, making them available offline.
- Note: This step is optional. If you plan to copy the files directly from the synced OneDrive folder to another location on your drive, you can skip this step. The files will be downloaded as you access them.
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Copy Files to Another Location
- Once the files are downloaded and available offline (if you chose to do so), you can copy them to another location on your drive.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the OneDrive folder.
- Select the files or folders you want to copy, right-click, and choose "Copy."
- Navigate to the destination folder on your drive, right-click, and choose "Paste."
Method 2: Re-upload as a .zip File
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Download the Files Locally
- Sync the SharePoint folder with OneDrive as described in the previous steps.
- Ensure the files are available offline by selecting "Always keep on this device" if needed.
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Zip the Files
- Navigate to the synced OneDrive folder on your local device.
- Select the files or folders you want to compress.
- Right-click and choose "Send to" > "Compressed (zipped) folder."
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Upload the Zipped File to SharePoint
- Go back to your SharePoint site.
- Click on "Upload" and select the zipped file from your local device.
Method 3: Access Files Directly on SharePoint
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Access Files on SharePoint
- Users can access the files directly on SharePoint, which is the intended use of the platform.
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Sync for Offline Access
- If users need the files locally, they can sync the SharePoint site with OneDrive and choose "make available locally" to allow OneDrive to complete the download over time.
Potential Issues with Direct Download from SharePoint
- Throttling: SharePoint has built-in checks that automatically throttle excessive API calls to maintain service reliability. This can result in "Too Many Requests" (429) or "Server Too Busy" (503) errors.
- Tenant Blocking: Repeatedly triggering throttling mechanisms can lead to your entire tenant being temporarily blocked from accessing SharePoint Online.
- Download Failures: Large file downloads may fail or be canceled midway due to network issues, browser compatibility, or SharePoint's file size limitations.
- Performance Issues: Direct downloads can cause slow performance for other users on the same SharePoint site, affecting overall productivity.
Tips
- Avoid Throttling: By using OneDrive to sync and download files, you minimize the number of requests to SharePoint, reducing the risk of throttling.
- Monitor Storage: Ensure you have enough local storage space to accommodate the files you are downloading.
- Regular Syncing: Keep your OneDrive synced regularly to ensure you have the latest versions of your files.
Troubleshooting
- Sync Issues: If you encounter issues with syncing, ensure you are logged into OneDrive with the correct account and have the necessary permissions to access the SharePoint site.
- File Availability: If files are not available offline, double-check that you have selected "Always keep on this device" for the necessary files or folders.
Conclusion
By following these methods, you can efficiently download large amounts of data from SharePoint, avoiding throttling issues and ensuring smooth data transfer.